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Kidnap: meaning, definitions and examples

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kidnap

 

[ ˈkɪdnæp ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

crime

To seize and detain (someone) unlawfully against their will, typically in order to extract a ransom.

Synonyms

abduct, capture, seize

Examples of usage

  • The gang kidnapped the businessman and demanded a large sum of money for his release.
  • She was kidnapped at gunpoint and held captive for several days.
Context #2 | Noun

crime

The action of kidnapping someone.

Synonyms

abduction, seizure

Examples of usage

  • The kidnapping of the politician shocked the nation.
  • There has been a rise in kidnappings in the region.

Translations

Translations of the word "kidnap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestrar

🇮🇳 अपहरण करना (apharaṇ karanā)

🇩🇪 entführen

🇮🇩 menculik

🇺🇦 викрадати

🇵🇱 porwać

🇯🇵 誘拐する (ゆうかいする, yūkai suru)

🇫🇷 kidnapper

🇪🇸 secuestrar

🇹🇷 kaçırmak

🇰🇷 납치하다 (napchi-hada)

🇸🇦 اختطف (ikhtatifa)

🇨🇿 unést

🇸🇰 uniesť

🇨🇳 绑架 (bǎngjià)

🇸🇮 ugrabiti

🇮🇸 ræna

🇰🇿 ұрлау (ūrlau)

🇬🇪 გატაცება (gatatseba)

🇦🇿 oğurlamaq

🇲🇽 secuestrar

Word origin

The word 'kidnap' originated in the United States in the mid-17th century. It is a combination of 'kid,' meaning child, and 'nap,' a slang term for snatching or seizing. Originally, 'kidnap' specifically referred to the stealing of children, but over time, its usage expanded to include the unlawful seizure of any person. Kidnapping has been a serious crime throughout history, often associated with ransom demands and high-profile cases.

See also: kid, kiddos, kids, skid.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,704, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.